SOCK-IT MAN

Is Elton John going through the change of life? First, the 57-year-old (off his) rocker threw that whole Taiwanese tantrum, and now he's lashing out at Madonna. While accepting an award from Q music magazine in London, John ripped into Madge after he discovered she was up for Best Live Act. "Anyone who lip-syncs on stage when you pay 75 pounds to see them should be shot," John said, referring to the Material Girl's Re-Invention tour. "Madonna, best f---ing live act? F--- off." Funny thing is, Madge didn't lip-sync on the just-wrapped tour  a fact her reps were quick to point out. "She sang every note of her Re-Invention tour live," says her spokeswoman, "and is not ashamed that she was well paid for her hard work."